Posted in Texas Nature May 02, 2021 by

15 Texas Swimming Holes You Can’t Miss This Summer

Texans are well-accustomed to the sweltering heat that sets in as soon as the calendar says June, so what do we do? Cool off in one of our many magnificent swimming holes, of course! We’ve compiled a list of the best swimming holes in Texas that you just can’t miss this summer, so make sure to check them out!

1) Hamilton Pool Preserve (Dripping Springs)
Troy G/Yelp
Definitely one of Texans' favorite swimming holes to take a dip in when summer comes around! With the ancient limestone rocks surrounding the pool, the gorgeous jade green water, and the stunning waterfall that cascades over the limestone rocks, this swimming hole just can't be beat in my humble opinion.

More Information: Hamilton Pool Preserve website
2) Jacob's Well (Wimberley)
Kashif Pathan/Flickr
The only real place to swim here is in the 200 ft deep well, but the drive out is still worth it. Some people like to jump from the rocks up above, but do so at your own risk, of course. Others like to dive down into the depths and explore the openings to other passages, but most people just chill by the well and contemplate jumping off the rocks or not. Beautiful place to swim; I can attest to that!

More Information: Jacob's Well Natural Area website
3) Krause Springs (Spicewood)
Jessica "The Hun" Reeder/Flickr
This swimming hole and the surrounding land is owned by the Krause family, but they allow guests for a small fee, and you can even camp on the grounds if you wish! Several springs feed the natural pool, which makes it nice and cool for swimming in the Texas heat!

More Information: Krause Springs website
4) Balmorhea State Park Swimming Pool (Toyahvale)
Claire L Evans/Flickr
Don't worry, we didn't forget all you folks way out west... if you live in the desert of Texas, you probably visit this place quite often. This state park boasts the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world, and the water is crystal-clear. Definitely check this out if you live out that way or are just passing through!

More Information: Balmorhea State Park Swimming Pool webpage
5) Barton Springs Pool (Austin)
Roger Mommaerts/Flickr
This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning one of Austinites' favorite places to escape the heat in the summer. Be prepared though; the water is absolutely freezing (trust me, I've been here), but I wasn't complaining when it was 97 degrees outside. There's a diving board at the pool, also, and the fact that this is a totally natural pool makes diving that much more fun!

More Information: Barton Springs Pool webpage
6) Blue Hole (Wimberley)
robert thigpen/Flickr
Cypress trees line this beautiful Texas treasure, and the water is nice and clear...and pretty chilly, too. There's a rope swing for those that love to make a big splash, and there's plenty of places to lay your towels and coolers on the grass. I'm so ready to get in the water now..how about you?!

More Information: Blue Hole Regional Park website
7) Frio River at Garner State Park (Concan)
J.D. Page/Flickr
Going to Garner State Park in the summer is brutal without taking a dip in the Frio River - you can kayak, tube, or swim in it, and with the backdrop of the limestone cliffs and mesas, you couldn't ask for a better place to immerse yourself in nature.

More Information: Garner State Park website
8) Barton Creek Greenbelt (Austin)
Bruce Turner/Flickr
If you hike a little ways down the trail at the greenbelt, you'll find an awesome little swimming hole to bask in that's fed by Barton Creek. There's even mini waterfalls that pour over the rocks, and the water is usually a nice blue-green. I've been here, but haven't been swimming yet. The water looks so inviting!

More Information: Barton Creek Greenbelt webpage
9) Devil's Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park (Burnet)
Autumn P/Yelp
This swimming hole is surrounded by craggy rocks, which are fun to jump off of if you aren't afraid of heights. You can also swim in Inks Lake if the swimming hole gets too overcrowded, and when Valley Spring Creek is running, you can hike to beautiful waterfalls upstream of the lake.

More Information: Inks Lake State Park website
10) The Quince (Camp Wood)
Pinterest
This 15 foot deep swimming hole fed by the Nueces River is located opposite the Rocky River Camp off Texas Highway 55, and there's no entrance fee! Locals love it because it doesn't get as crowded as some of the other swimming holes in Texas.
11) Rio Vista Park (San Marcos)
Charlie Llewellin/Flickr
Pretty awesome shot, right? This is an excellent place for tubing, swimming, white water rafting, and kayaking. There's even a tube chute at the Rio Vista Falls, which is a must do according to the locals!

More Information: Rio Vista Park website
12) Burger's Lake (Fort Worth)
Brian M/Yelp
This one acre spring-fed swimming pool is a popular hangout for Fort Worth residents, probably because there's fountains, diving boards, water slides, sandy beaches, and plenty of shade. Great place to take the family for sure!

More Information: Burger's Lake
13) Lake Tejas (Colmesneil)
robert thigpen
East Texas gets ridiculously hot and humid in the summer, which is why people have flocked to this swimming hole for decades. As you can see, there's a diving board, slide, and plenty of places to cool off here! I've been, and the pine trees surrounding the lake make it a peaceful, relaxing place to cool off in the summer.

More Information: Lake Tejas Forest Trail Region webpage
14) Rio Grande River at Big Bend National Park
Adam Baker/Flickr
The hot springs pictured here are consistently a toasty 105 degrees, so summer might not be the best time to visit. If you want to take a dip, I'd recommend going in early morning or early evening to fully enjoy the experience.

More Information: Big Bend National Park website
15) Blue Hole (Georgetown)
parks.georgetown.org
There's quite a few Blue Holes in Texas, and this is another great spot to swim in the summer. It's bordered by limestone bluffs along the San Gabriel River, and there's no entrance fee.

More Information: Blue Hole Park Georgetown webpage

There you have it, y’all! What other swimming holes do you think should have made the list? Nominate your favorites here, and check out these other must-see summer destinations in Texas.

Address: Hamilton Pool, Texas 78620, USA
Address: Jacob's Well Natural Area, 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA
Address: Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
Address: Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
Address: Barton Springs Pool, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Address: Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA
Address: Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
Address: Barton Creek Greenbelt, 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Address: Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Address: Camp Wood, TX 78833, USA
Address: 555 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
Address: 1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114, USA
Address: Colmesneil, TX 75938, USA
Address: Big Bend National Park, TX, USA
Address: 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Swimming Holes In Texas

May 07, 2021
Leah

What other summer destinations in Texas should I visit?

Texas is a great place to visit in the summer. With a huge state full of outdoor recreation, the summertime can be ideal for many of them. River tubing is a fantastic way to spend a summer day. Float down the river in Hill County for a relaxing, memorable time on the water – and make sure to bring a lot of sunscreen! For something on dry land, try a visit the stunning Palo Duro Canyon. It’s the second-largest canyon in the country, only behind the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and it’s perfect for hiking, camping, and more.

What are the best places to swim in Texas?

Need more places to take a refreshing dip during the heat of summer? Natural swimming holes are great, but you just won’t find thrilling slides, rides, and wave pools like you can at waterparks. In fact, you can skip the summer heat or even the winter chill altogether and enjoy swimming, sliding, and everything else at the largest indoor water park in Texas. Kalahari Resorts is the perfect indoor destination for families, with attractions for people of all ages.

Which outdoor activities in Texas should I add to my bucket list?

Beyond swimming, there are many things to do and see in Texas. Things you should add to your outdoor bucket list include a hike to Gorman Falls or something as simple as enjoying the Texas beaches. You can even go underground to escape the summer sun when you tour places like the Natural Bridge Caverns near San Antonio. Needless to say, there are many things to do and see in the Lone Star State.

Address: Hamilton Pool, Texas 78620, USA
Address: Jacob's Well Natural Area, 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA
Address: Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
Address: Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
Address: Barton Springs Pool, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Address: Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA
Address: Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
Address: Barton Creek Greenbelt, 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Address: Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Address: Camp Wood, TX 78833, USA
Address: 555 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
Address: 1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114, USA
Address: Colmesneil, TX 75938, USA
Address: Big Bend National Park, TX, USA
Address: 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA